Wednesday, January 07, 2009

2008 Project

This is where I'll start the tale of the Guest House Project, in this little nook where my laptop sits on this rickety table.
What joy this little house has brought our family this past year.
When Dad first purchased this cottage in late 2007, that was located behind he and Mom's house, Dana, my daughter, and I were pretty excited about the prospect of transforming it for them.
Dana layed out the cottage floor plan on here computer and her and I decided on the design for the renovation over the phone for the most part. The construction took most of the first part of '08. In April the builders were finally done enough for us to get in and start to decorate.

This picture shows the finished product of the construction where the wall that seperated the sun porch from the main cottage had been removed. That wall went the whole length of the south side of the house. We had the support posts covered with wood and moldings and arranged as interior pillars. The wood floors were all refinished in a dark walnut stain to anchor the interior.
Here you can see the custom cabinets being installed. With the removal of the wall from the sun room we gained more space for the kitchen which now extends out into the old sun room space. The cupboard on the back wall was custom built by the local cabinet maker that made all the cupboards for us. It was designed to disguise a brick chimney that comes through the wall right where the center cupboard is.
The beams on the ceiling add more texture and interest to the all white space.
Here is the kitchen on the other side of the room. This space used to be a bedroom but the wall was taken down to open it up to the rest of the kitchen. Here you can begin to see the beadboard that covers most of the interior of the cottage adding texture to the all white space. The light that streams throughout adds much to the charm the radiates from every corner.
The two chairs are part of a set of six that we bough up north and have turned out to be some of our most favorite pieces.
Here we have added the old cupboard that we found at a local junktique shop that has proved to be invaluable for the space it provides for dish and food storage. We added the old painted buckets to the top. During the instalation of the decor we stored all of our propps here. To the right in the corner you can see the last minute addition of the old flour sifting cupboard that came out of Mom's house in the 1970's when they first moved into their house. It had been in their basement all these years. We had planned to have a cupboard built for the area but we decided this piece from the past helped connect the guest house to the main house in a sweet humble way.
Going around the corner you come to the bar area that houses the kitchen sink. We had planned on doing subway and glass tiles in the kitchen and bath when we first started designing the interior but decided that we really didn't need them because there was already enough texture from the beadboard and wood trim, and enough sparkle with the natural light reflecting everywhere.
Here you can see the white stove. I have always loved white appliances because they look so clean.
Things in the kitchen are starting to take shape. The countertops, that are simply solid core formica in a patten made to resemble a white soap stone, have been installed. The island that is made from old doors that where painted green with white trim inside the panels and on the moldings has arrived. The two little chandiliers over the island came from a little shop down town and cost around $50 each. Inside the false cupboard over the stove we hung a MacKenzie-Childs plate from the Honeymoon collection in green. The other accessories come from Target or Kohls. Over the old looking radio that even includes an ipod docking station is an old wall pocket I had in our Harbor Springs cottage before we sold it. It is a plaster wall pocket Victorian basket with a bow on top that is the same design that I have used as a logo in Chloe's my now closed shop. You can see the same motif in my header on the needlepoint pillow pictured there.
Ah, one of my favorite pictures. You can see the different levels between where the old house and the sunporch met. The person that refinished the floors did an amazing job of getting the stains to match between the two areas where different types of wood were used. We found the bar stools at Target on sale for $39 each. If anybody knows where we can find 3 more we would love to hear about it. We need 3 more to come around the corner......... We had a local seamstress make the chair cushions for us.
Here is a view across the bar into the kitchen.
Well, Dana just called and I need to head up north to help her! I'll finish this later.

The old tea cart behind the Smith-Brother's green and white gingham chair helps define the kitchen space. I always like to have an end table on the right side of a chair to put things on. This little table is from one of our local junktique shops and cost about $25.

This is a picture of the back side of the kitchen island that Dana had the cabinet maker customize with adjustable shelving. He also added a base to raise the height for us. The baskets that hold small utensils like measuring cups and spoons and such come from TJMax.

The left side of the kitchen addition with the rickety computer table, extra couple of chairs and an old lamp that had to be rewired creates a cozy desk area.


On the right side is the flour bin from Mom's that has been dressed up with crown molding to connect it to the rest of the kitchen. We chose to keep the old chippy green paint. To the right of the bin is a cupboard then the refrigerator. This area serves as the bar where you can fix a cup of tea, hot chocolate or a cocktail.

Looking into the great room before we started to decorate.
The first round of furniture is in place. Several textures were used like soft old velvet on the dining room chairs, comfy chenille on the sofa for nap time comfort, pre washed gingham on the chair and a half and matching ottoman and a shaggy white rug from Target. The sleek tables are also from Target and were chosen for practicality. They look clean and crisp and are virtually indestructible. The silver lamps from Target add some sparkle.
Another angle of the great room showing the new windows before they were dressed.
Looking across the serving area space that was created when the sun porch was opened up. Here you can see the stone fireplace with the window seats flanking it.
While we were out gathering items for the GH we found a booth at the junktique shop that had some interesting brackets that we decided to get to use for shelves over the windows.
We found this painting in Mom's attic.
This old table that we found turned out to have leaves stored behind a little trap door on the side of the table apron. It opens up and accommodates eight diners comfortably. The wheels make the table movable. During the Christmas season we rolled it into the sun porch and opened it up to its full length. It created more room in the great room to accommodate holiday guests.


These shelves were a good find for this spot. We had planned on having it painted but we decided the dirty white added a different dimension that worked. The straw Panama hat adds to the cottage feel.
This checked chair is more muted than the rest of the furniture so the dirty shelves work with it.
A few more accessories added.
Close up of the window seat cushion and pillows.

We added dark matchstick blinds for privacy, texture and to bring the walnut color of the wood floors up into the room.
We added the MacKenzie-Childs chandelier when we saw that it had been drastically marked down on the MC website.
This is the hallway off the kitchen that leads to the two bedrooms and the bathroom.
This hall comes off the greatroom to the back hall. We added new doors to the old storage closets.

This rather primative painting of Mom's house was up in the attic so we drug it over and hung it in the hall.

A sweet little depression glass plate reworked by a local artist graces another wall in the back hall.

Seating area in the sunporch with a view of the back yard.

Faux Violets!

The back door.
View from the back hall.
The back porch and driveway to Mom's.

We used old porch furniture from Mom's to furnish the back porch. We like the funky old chair covers.
This is the garage behind the GH. With a coat of white paint the old doors look pretty cute.

We used a simple mosiac floor in the bathroom. We had planned on doing more extensive tile work but felt like we really didn't need it.
This bathroom is really tiny so we hung lots of towel bars.

Little chandelier.

A shelf with pretty things.

Lots of hooks.

The master bedroom with fresh paint, shinney wood floors and an old white dresser.

Chunky gold mirror to go over the dresser.

Old pink lamp added to the scene.

A little reading corner.

A cozy bed.

An old Eastlake comode in the guest bedroom.

Bedding ready to be put to use.
Guest bed all made up.

We used Target's Shabby Chic bedding in both the bedrooms.
As most of you know last year was challenging for our family. This little guest house helped bring us out of the trauma that we had experienced.


























44 comments:

  1. I just adore that house.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, what a lovely little retreat! A stroke of genius using the bar cart as a sofa table- it creates an adorable vignette while anchoring a piece that could have looked like it was plopped in the walkway.
    I can't wait to hear the stories behind the rest of your pieces!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous3:51 PM

    Hi Sue! Oh, what a beautiful transformation! Everything you've done to this little cottage space is amazing!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. That is one gorgeous project, Sue! I know it must have been hard at times, but I am sure you enjoyed every min! I sure did enjoy the tour! Thanks for showing! Blessings, Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous9:49 PM

    So adorable! What a great place to look forward to going to. I love all the green and white and thank you for saying that about white appliances. I have white appliances but this day in age everybody seems to think that you have to have stainless steel appliances and granite countertops to have a beautiful kitchen but I disagree. I think the white looks so fresh! You and Dana have done a beautiful job.

    Hugs,
    LeAnn:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I absolutely love it all!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I just found your blog and it is gorgeous! What a cottage! I love it all! I'll look forward to visiting again!

    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous12:31 AM

    Lovely just lovely!
    From Mt Pl MI

    ReplyDelete
  9. HI Sue!

    Oh My word!! Every time you show a little bit of this cottage, I just drool over each picture! It is simply one of the sweetest, freshest, prettiest places I've seen!! You did an INCREDIBLE job on this project, every detail was thought of and executed to Perfection!!

    I loved every nook and cranny and every single detail!! From the beadboard to the sink, lighting, The cabinets and architectural details, accessories, upholstery, counters, I could go on and on!! The Island and the colors are AMAZING! So Fresh and cozy at the same time! Your creativity comes out every where, the Island idea with the doors is fabulous! and I want that sage green gingham chair!! :)

    What a treat to visit your blog this morning, coffee in hand, I was "omg-ing" at every picture! Thanks for sharing such Beauty with us!!

    I hope you have a wonderful weekend sweetie! Hugs, Cynthia

    ReplyDelete
  10. These are great pictures. I absolutely love the chandelier over the island in the kitchen. How wonderfully unexpected.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sue, thanks for joining the party. I remember this cottage well that you & Dana did & I just LOVE it. So cozy & charming & the colors are my fave, love that green. Y'all did a wonderful job putting it all together & I can imagine how much you must enjoy it now.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow I love love love this guest house. The kitchen is to die for!! I just love it all!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sue, I need to catch up!! Your little cottage is absolutely adorable..down to the colors! What a wonderful transformation job! I hope you have a wonderful 2009!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow -- that is the cutest home! I love the green accent color and the chandelier is fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  15. Checking out your blog for the first time! I've had the most fun reading. . . The cottage is gorgeous! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  16. you have impeccable taste, my dear



    join in the southernslang thang at cityfarmer

    ReplyDelete
  17. What an amazing prodject. Must be a lot of fun and a lot of work. You've achieved a wonderful transformation. Are you finished or is there more work to do? You have a wonderful family. We also have grand children, three to be exact. Thankyou for your impressive blog.

    ReplyDelete
  18. oh goodness. this is my first time visiting and i just am in awe! such lovely things! i will definetley be back.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Just found your blog- i love what you did to this guest house-Can I transport it to my home in San Diego? I'll be back

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sue,
    As I've said before about the guest house...it's a lovely place...

    Please come by my blog, you'll see why....Betty

    ReplyDelete
  21. All I can say is I'm grabing my bag and I'll be over in a minute. The greens are so me. Thanks, Denise

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you so much for the tour. I love the shade of green used throughout. Everything looks pristine.
    Sweetie

    ReplyDelete
  23. GREAT JOB! I LOVE the green island!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Congratulations on a wonderful project!
    Can you please tell me the product name of the faux white soapstone counter tops? They look pretty good, and I'm a girl on a budget ha ha!
    xo xo

    ReplyDelete
  25. VV,
    The counter top is made from Formica's solid core laminate. We like the way the solid core looks because you don't get that black line around the edges.
    Hope this helps.

    Thanks for all your sweet messages. I've been busy around here but will try to finish up this post soon. Hope you are all well and keeping warm if you are in the cold areas.

    Hugs,
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  26. This cottage is so stunning, I can't stop looking at the pictures! What an amazing job! Just LOVELY!!!! ~Cheryl~

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous12:10 PM

    Your little guest house is absolutely and completely BEAUTIFUL!!! ~cndy s~

    ReplyDelete
  28. Gorgeous! I want you to know that this has become my inspiration space for completing our basement (when we manage to get it started!!!!). LOVE it!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I loved this recap - your guest house was one of my favorite projects of the year - the kitchen is so adorable with the green island - and the house with the sunroom and shabby chic bedrooms, just the cutest thing in the whole world! Love it!!!!!

    thanks for your comment today!
    Have a great weekend.
    Joni

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow! It's simply knock out gorgeous! I love the simple clean look.
    Cathie

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm drooling. Love all the fresh greens and clean whites. Beautiful job.

    ReplyDelete
  32. WOW...absolutely gorgeous!! I just love all the white with the accents of color!! Looks like a page from a magazine! :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. LOVE the green & white. Especially love the chairs (desk & dr tables too). Also love the green island, cake stand, pink lamp in the guest room, blue chandy. I can't tell you how many times I've almost bought those bunny plates. Think I just might have to now that they look so nice at the guest house!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Wow, I love everything about this cottage redo! I love the colors, your furniture, your cabinets, paint, accessories, etc....everything looks great. You have great style!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thank you for the tour of your beautiful Guest House.
    Can't wait to be a guest!;)
    Love all of the windows. It really feels open and bright inside. The green and white color scheme looks wonderful with the wood floors.
    Congratulations on a job well done!

    xo
    Brooke

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a transformation and such a gorgeous cottage. I LOVE it. You did such a beautiful job and all the decorations as well as the remodel are just stunning. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  37. I adore what you did with the cottage. It is an amazing transformation. I'd pay good money to stay there. Your folks are so lucky to have you and your daughter to create such a beautiful space for them.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Oh I love that guest house.. not sure how I got to your site but for sure saving to come back. Cute! CUTE!

    ReplyDelete
  39. How beautiful.Anyone who stays will not want to leave.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous2:10 PM

    I just found your blog, I'm hoping to keep my white appliances and update my cabinets, but painting them white, and your guest house kitchen is beautiful! Any chance you can tell me what color you painted them?

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anon, The paint we used is Benjamine Moore Semi-gloss Decorator White. Thank you for the kind words and I hope your project works out the way you hope it will.'
    Best,
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  42. I love the exterior paint color! Any chance you could tell what it is? Thanks and great blog!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Leilani,
    The exterior in not painted. Since this is the guest house adjacent to my Fathers house we used vinyl siding. I am sorry I do not know the brand or color name of the siding. It was just a common brand in a light green color from a local lumber yard so you may be able to find something close.
    Hope this helps.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your response! I will check into that.

      Delete

Thanks for leaving a comment. I so appreciate it when you take the time to leave a bit of encouragement.
Hugs,
Sue